The 2007 UK School Games got off to a spectacular start with an opening ceremony to remember at the Skydome Arena on Thursday evening.

1300 competitors gathered at the ice arena with officials, volunteers and special guests to mark the start of what is expected to be an amazing three days of top class competition.

Athlete representatives from all teams paraded into the arena and three oaths were sworn on behalf of the athletes, officials and volunteers before the Games were declared open by athletics legend Daley Thompson.

The double Olympic decathlon champion said:

"I am delighted to have been asked to open the 2007 UK School Games. The event is a fantastic opportunity for some of the country's most talented sporting youngsters to develop.

“Interest in these competitors is only going to increase between now and the London Olympic Games and the experience of competing this week will undoubtedly help them further their ambitions".

The spectators were then treated to a special UK School Games version of the famous Hot Ice Show, featuring a host of world class and former Olympic skaters.

There was also a video message of support from the Chairman of the London 2012 Olympic Games, Lord Coe.
 
Steve Grainger, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, said:

“The spectacular opening ceremony has provided a memorable and fitting start to what will be a fantastic three days of inspirational competitive sport, played out by some of the UK’s most talented young athletes. We would like to wish all the competitors, technical officials and volunteers, who are taking part in Coventry, every success.”

Competitors will battle for medals in eight sports over the Bank Holiday weekend with four beginning on Friday. The first medals of the Games will be decided in Judo at the Alan Higgs Centre, while volleyball, table tennis and badminton also get underway.

Athletics , fencing, gymnastics and swimming make up the schedule, with disability events in athletics, swimming and table tennis.